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The Institute did not look like the other buildings around it. Where most of their neighbors were tall skyscrapers that towered above the New York Skyline, The Institute was designed to look like an old European cathedral. That was what Magnus loved about this building. It was not like the others. Inside was modern, but outside was rustic and spoke to the ideas of the parent company that owned it.
The Institute was one of the many buildings owned by the Lightwood Corporation. The multi media giant had their hands in practically every form of entertainment from art, to television, to publishing. It was the latter that Magnus was a part of. He was an editor for Downworld Publishing, a paranormal publishing agency inside of The Institute. He loved his job, even if sometimes he was behind on a deadline. It fueled the reader in him. While he didn’t read as many books as he used to, he did still get to enjoy the stories that came out of the mind of their authors.
It was a Monday morning in early August when he got the news that would change his life.
“I am sorry, Mags.” The voice of Isabelle Lightwood said over the phone. Izzy was his connection to the parent company. She oversaw the Institute while her three brothers oversaw different businesses under their umbrella. “I totally forgot to tell you my honeymoon was going to be this month.” Izzy had gotten married back in June at a beautiful venue up the coast. Magnus had wanted to go, but he had too many deadlines and while they were friendly he didn’t know if Izzy thought they were friends, even though she had invited him. But he had not heard that she would be taking her honeymoon so close to the Christmas editing deadline. He didn’t necessarily need her approval, but he liked to have it anyway.
“That’s alright. You have put off your vacation long enough.” Magnus said, as he drew little squiggles on his notes.
“Still I am sorry, but my brother will be taking over my place for the month. He has never read a book in his life, but I am sure he will do just fine.” She giggled. Oh great, he gets to deal with one of the other Lightwood children.
In total there were four Lightwood siblings, Izzy, who was over publishing; the eldest, Alexander who was over the fashion and art; Max who had just taken over the tv side of things, being the youngest; and Jace Herendael, adopted son and incharge of music. So Magnus guessed it was going to be either Jace or Alexander as Max had just graduated college that past May. Neither were going to be pleasant to the introverted Magnus.
“I am sure we will get on without you. It will be hard, but we will make it.”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
“Hey, Magnus, the new boss is here.” Cat, one of his coworkers, called over to him. He stuck his head out of his cubicle to see a tall man talking to Lydia, one of the editors from the Romance section of their group. This gave Magnus a chance to look the newcomer up and down. The man could dress, his clothes looked designer, not that Magnus knew. He was horrible at that sort of thing. He preferred cardigan and khakis. The man’s hair was brown, almost black, so this had to be Alexander. As the man looked up their eyes met and Magnus felt a shiver run through him, right before he pulled his head back in his cubicle.
No. It had been nothing. It would never be anything. Romantic at heart Magnus was sick of the dating scene, he had sworn off dating until at least his thirties. Maybe by then his taste in partners would have matured. He always went for the wrong type.
“And this is Magnus.” His heart stopped when he heard Lydia right behind him. Shit. There had to be any number of people that this man could have visited first. Why him? Turning his chair around Magnus stood. Damn, he was tall. At least three or four inches taller than Magnus.
“Hello.” And that voice. Dear God Magnus was losing it.
“Hello.” He said back as he shook the man’s hand. A spark, like static electricity, ran through his hand, yet it didn’t hurt like static did. The man, Alexander, had hazel eyes that seemed to shift color.
“I am Alec, please call me Alec.” So Alec, it was.
They adjourned to a conference room to talk, which meant that Alexan - Alec, would not be so close to him. While Magnus was an editor, he was also pretty good at marketing. He and Izzy had created this bond over the books and even nerded out over their mutual love of Star Wars. While Izzy had been beautiful Magnus had never felt attracted to her. That was a 180 from what he felt for her brother.
As Alec sifted through the manuscripts Magnus took a change to memorize his face. Strong jaw with a bit of a beard, neat and tidy. Lord Magnus felt like the heroine in a instalove novel, one of the tropes he hated, but apparently was loving in real life.
“So, how many of these books do you think we should get out during Christmas?” Alec asked after he had read through all the summaries. There were not as many books this year that would be ready by the holiday season. Paranormal books did better around Halloween, but those books had been planned since before April.
“Well, uh,” Get your mind out of the gutter, Bane. “I do think that the retelling of Scrooge could go over well, but it also seems like a no-brainer.” Alec moved that manuscript to the side.
“Alright. What about the others?” Magnus quickly looked over the others. Two romances, and two urban paranormal fantasies were left. Any one of them could work. They were not strictly Christmasy, but not everyone wanted to read a cheesy Christmas rom-com.
“These.” He picked out one of the urban fantasies. “This one about the girl that finds out her mom was a medium, but she encountered something much darker, and this one.” He picked the smaller of the romances. “Woman goes home to take over her family's farm and ends up falling for the town recluse who is actually a ghost.” It was short and had a happy ending, so it would do decently well.
“What about the other two?”
“Well the other urban paranormal is one of a trilogy and the author has not finished the third book yet. Better to wait and see how it ends, then we can market it better. While the other romance is more…uh…steamy.” That was putting it lightly. Magnus had not edited it himself, but Lydia had gone on and on about it.
“So smut does not do well at Christmas?” Alec had this smug smile across his face.
“No. It can, just the romance department, I believe has many of those types coming out.” Those types? That made Magnus sound like a prude.
“I know, I met with romance first thing this morning.” Alec was still smirking at him, which didn’t help Magnus’ nerves. “But I think you are right. Something adventurous and something short and cute would work. Aside from the retelling.”
“Yes. Exactly.”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
“I sounded like an idiot.” Magnus explained to his best friend and coworker, Cat, as they sat on her sofa that night. “I couldn’t even talk. It was like I was tongue tied and stupid. How am I going to make it a month?!”
“It is not like he is going to be here all the time. He does have a whole other part of the business to run and New York Fashion week is in less than a month.” She took a sip from his wine glass as Magnus tried to chug his. “So you are smitten with the new boss, not a bad thing. He is out and proud so you would not have to worry about hiding.” Magnus gave a snort.
“Like he would want to date me. The man could have anyone and insead he would want an average looking asian man who was adopted from Indonesia when he was four?”
“Who happens to love his job, has a wicked sense of humor, and could out-dance anyone.”
“Seriously?! Is that all I have going for me?”
“Well, you are the best tarot card reader, love Star Wars, and cry at the Notebook no matter how many times you have seen it.” Magnus groaned.
“No. Those are not something that could woo someone like Alec Lightwood, and why am I even talking about this. It is a crush and nothing more. It will go away when Izzy comes back and I will never have to think about him again.” Cat raised one dark brow as he drank her wine. Even she didn’t believe him.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The next month was a little awkward at first, but very productive. Magnus learned that Alec had read a book before, it is just not his preferred pastime. The ideas to market the books that Alec came up with were better than Magnus’. He was so much more creative than Magnus was, and artistic. He mocked up a couple book covers that Magnus then took back to the authors.
In the blink of an eye the month was over. No more late night idea sessions, no more Alec bringing him coffee when they met in the mornings. No more of Alec’s deep voice and smartly dressed body. Well, that was perfect. Magnus could get back to his life and get over this weird, intense crush he had for his boss, that was not his boss anymore.
Except, Alec kept coming back. Sometimes alone and sometimes with his sister. Having Izzy back helped, but having tall, dark, and handsome around meant that his silly little crush just didn’t want to go away.
The books were planned for a mid December release. The marketing leading up to them had started in November. Their numbers were looking good and so many people were putting them on their TBR lists. Magnus always felt proud when a book was highly anticipated. He knew the authors would be happy too.
-=-=-=-=-=
“Hey, Magnus.” Magnus looked up from the numbers on his screen. Two out of the three books were a hit. The other was slow, but he would worry about those numbers later.
“Hi, Alec. Did you see the numbers today? Even better than the pre-orders.” Magnus said, smiling brightly.
“Yeah, I saw them earlier. Still wish the third book was doing better.”
“It will, just wait.” Fully turning around to see Alec he looked the man up and down. God, did he look like an adonis in his slacks and button up. Like a Greek God that decided to live in the corporate world. “What can I do for you?” Magnus’ skin felt heated and he hoped he could pass the flush off as being warm from his sweater.
“I just came to see if you would like to come to the Lightwood Company Christmas Party.” Each company had their own Christmas party and then the parent company had another. Not everyone was invited to this party, usually just the administration and high ups. But Alec was asking him to be there?
“Uh, sure. That sounds…great.” He said as he looked at the invitation. It did not sound great. Magnus hated parties, he only went to the Institute Christmas Party because Cat would kill him if he missed it. But to go to the parent company party. What was he going to wear? His usual sweaters would not cut it. And it said black tie.
“Something wrong?” Alec asked.
“No. Just…wondering where my tux is.” That sounded as bad out loud as it did inside his head.
“It says black tie optional. Don’t worry, anything you come in will be perfect.”
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Just because Alec said anything he would come in would be perfect that didn’t mean that Magnus was not going to drag Cat around to every tux store in New York, that was within his price range of course. He settled on a navy suit, maroon button up with a muted gray tie. It was still too flashy for his greys and browns that he normally wore, but Cat told him he needed to step it up. If he wanted the hot guy he needed to dress like one. Easier said than done.
But he was still stepping out of a taxi at Lightwood Headquarters in his new navi suit. Taking a deep breath he walked towards the entrance. Security asked to see his invitation so Magnus pulled it out of his pocket. Thank god he had listened to Cat or he would have left it at home. Security ushered him inside. He followed a few other nicely dressed party goers into a ballroom.
He knew Alec was the one planning it, but he didn’t realise just how good at it Alec was. The ballroom looked like a scene out of the Nutcracker, complete with a fireplace in one corner and a humongous tree decorated in green and gold. Damn. There were even presents under the tree, nicely wrapped.
“Do you like it?” A voice to his left made him jump slightly.
“Damn, oh shit. I mean sorry.” He said, knowing his face was completely red, but Alec just smiled.
“Don’t worry. No one is going to care if you cuss.”
“Yeah, I guess.” But these people were his bosses and his boss’ bosses.
“Do you like the tree?”
“Oh yes.” Magnus turned back to the tree before them. “Stunning. I could never get mine to look half as good.” Granted his was not a nearly ten foot tall behemoth.
“I have people to help, but I am afraid they need a raise for having to listen to me change my mind every five seconds.” Alec said, rubbing his neck. “Perfectionist.”
“Not necessarily a bad thing.”
“I decorated the rest of the building too. Too many ideas but not enough space. Would you like to see?” Why did Alec’s voice dip down a bit as he said the last sentence? Was he saying what Magnus was hoping?
“Sure.”
They took the elevator up to the second floor and Alec showed him the decor. He went on and on about his vision. Then they went to the next floor and the next and the next. Finally they got to the last floor.
“I am saying the best for last.” Alec showed him the main floor, which was still as beautiful as the rest.
“You are very talented.” Magnus said, looking into Alec’s hazel eyes.
“Thank you.” Magnus stood a little bit close to him. “If I didn’t work for my parents I would be an event planner. But this is not it. Come.” He motioned Magnus to follow him down a bit of a hallway to a door that said A. Lightwood. Alec pushed the door open. Inside was a normal office, but off to the side was a stunning four foot white tree covered in what looked like glowing icicles.
“Wow.” Magnus walked forward to look at the tree. It was the only light in the room. “You are amazing.” Turning around he noticed Alec had closed the door. His flush returned, but at least in the low light no one would see. Alec pointed up and Magnus followed his gesture to see that he was standing under mistletoe. Well not exactly, but close enough. When he looked back down Alec was standing right in front of him.
“I hope…” Alec looked a little…shy? Usually he was so commanding and sure of himself. “I hope I didn’t miss read…”
“Miss read?” Magnus asked, looking at Alec’s lips.
“Um…you and me.” Looking back up into the hazel eyes he saw uncertainty. Did Alec like him? Okay, that much was obvious with how he was acting, but it still shocked Magnus.
“You…like me?” Magnus managed to ask.
“Very much.” Alec answered back. With a smile Magnus leaned in and pressed his lips to Alec’s. That seemed to be the only thing he needed as Alec took charge, cupping his cheek and pulling him close.
Alec kissed like he was man starved and Magnus was a five course meal. It made Magnus’ knees a little weak. No one had ever kissed him like he was their everything. Was this what it was like to be wanted?
Alec steered Magnus backwards until his hip hit the desk. Only then did the part. Alec pushed things aside and then picked Magnus up like he weighed nothing and sat him on the desk.
“Fuck…” Magnus nearly moaned. “You know how to get a man going.” Alec chuckled.
“I should hope so.” Then they were kissing again, Alec between Magnus’ legs as their tongues battled for dominance. Alec easily won, but Magnus gave it a good try. Suddenly Alec leaned back and pulled Magnus off the desk.
“I really…fuck, I really want to you, Magnus.” Okay, what?! Here?! In his office. “I know it is fast. You can say no and I will not beg.”
“I…I want you too…” Magnus' voice was lower and lighter in tone. “I’ve never had a one night stand.” Because there was no world in which Alec would want him for anything more.
“I have had too many, but that is not what I am asking here. I know I am kind of your boss, even though that was only for a short while. What I mean to say is, I don’t just want you once. I wanted you over and over. I want you for more than just sex.”
“So like, dating?” Magnus asked.
“Yes.”
“I…why me?”
“Where do I start? For one you are gorgeous, especially in your bluelight glasses, but you also care deeply for your job and for the authors who share their stories with you. Most publishers would just take the story and do what they want. You create a relationship with the authors and advocate on their behalf. You care for people, I would like for one of those to be me.” Alec was playing with the button on Magnus’ suit.
“Yeah…I would like that too.” Magnus felt like he was dreaming and almost wanted to pinch himself to see if he was truly dreaming. Alec kissed him again; he was sandwiched between this strong adonis and his equally sturdy desk. Kisses trailed over his jaw and down to his neck as Alec unbuttoned the suit jacket and then a couple shirt buttons to get at the skin beneath.
“Alec.” Magnus groaned, his head tipping back so the other man could get at his neck.
“Magnus,” Alec purred next to his ear. “I want your cock in my mouth.”
“Fuck.” Magnus gasped, Alec knew a way to a man’s heart.
“Soon, but for now…” Alec was lowering the zip on Magnus’ trousers. Then he was kneeling down on the office carpet with his beautiful tux and pulling Magnus’ half hard cock out of his boxers. He didn’t even give Magnus a change to grasp what was happening before he took it all into his mouth.
Magnus put his hand over his mouth for fear he would be too loud. His knees were weakening as Alec bobbed slowly on his cock as if he was savoring every last second of it. “Alec,” He gasped behind his hand and threaded his other hand through the other’s hair, pulling it from the gel that Alec had used to style it.
Pulling back Alec undid Magnus’ belt and the button on the trousers. He pushed them and the boxers down to Magnus' thighs before pushing him up onto the desk. This made Magnus a couple inches higher but Alec didn’t seem to notice. He took the glistening cock in his hand and slowly stroked him as he took one of Magnus’s balls into his mouth. Magnus bit his hand not to scream as pleasure coursed through his body. Alec was playing him like a pro.
Letting go of his balls Alec went back to deep throating Magnus’ cock. Stars danced behind his eyes. He was getting so close, embarrassingly close. He didn’t want it to end, but his body had other ideas.
“Alec…I’m, oh fuck. I’m gonna come.” Alec didn’t seem the least bit affected by that. In fact he seemed to re-double his efforts. Dear God, was Alec wanting Magnus to come in his mouth? The idea sent a jolt of pleasure down his spine. “Please, please.” He begged, moments before he came.
Alec sucked at him, as if trying to get the last drop from him before letting gown. Their heavy breathing was the only noise in the silent office. Slowly Alec got up from the floor, grinning wildly.
“This suit is truly beautiful. I would love to see it on the floor of my bedroom.” He said, running a finger up Magnus’ inner thigh. “Would you like that?” Magnus could only nod. Yes, he would do anything for this man. “Let me help you get dressed and then we can use the service elevator.” It was only then that Magnus noticed Alec’s hair was standing out at odd angles.
“Sorry about the hair.” Magnus said as Alec helped him pull his trousers up. He was a little bit boneless after the soul sucking blowjob.
“Don’t worry. I am hoping for your hands in my hair again.” Alec leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips. “If you want that too.”
“Yes, very much.”